Retail Lunch – The perfect storm
Friday, 6th May 2022On the 26th of April we held our Retail Lunch – The Perfect Storm at the brand-new Clayton hotel on Portland Street.
We brought together two panels of experts to discuss the effect the last 20 months have had on the retail industry.
With over 100 guests in attendance as soon as we opened at 12pm the room started to fill up nicely, with a great atmosphere as everyone fully embraced being back out meeting face to face.
After some quality networking time, Anthony Morrow (pro-manchester Chair) introduced our first panel.
Footfall and Changing customer demands / The Consumers Market
Our first panel focused on how the events of the last two years have affected foot flow and the buying patterns of customers.
Hosted by the fantastic Danny Simpson the first panel was always going to be engaging and insightful. Alongside Danny we had a panel of true experts. Adam Warne – CIO River Island, Dr Aman Khan – Senior lecturer MMU, David Allinson – Centre Director Manchester Arndale and Vaughan Allen – Chief Executive CityCo.
It was great to hear that although footfall is down at the weekends there has been an increase in midweek sales. To learn about the different spending patterns across the retail sector was very insightful and to hear about the growth of the second-hand market was pleasing and provided a nice link to the second panel who discussed sustainability.
Sustainability and the Future of Retail Supply Chains
Our second panel was steered towards Sustainability and the effects this has on supply chains.
It was going to take something truly special to follow on from our first panel, but our host Jen Smith joined by a stellar panel including Caroline Jackson – LWF Group, Lauren Somers – HGF, Martin Merryweather – Slalom and Sarah Welsh – N brown lived up to their predecessors.
To listen to a panel of industry experts so passionate about sustainability was thoroughly enjoyable. Our panel spoke in depth about not only their targets for sustainability but the processes in place Ito make sure these targets are reached.
Just like our first panel we could have sat and listened to them chat all day. But at 3pm it was time to wrap things up and after a quick thankyou from Sam Booth pro-manchester CEO, unfortunately it was time to leave and head back to the office.
Guests left with a smile on their face and gave some great feedback:
“The panels were first class, deep sector knowledge and open to share strong opinions. One of the best events I’ve attended in a long time. The panel Chairs were also great, pulled the threads of the discussions / panelists brilliantly.”
“A great set of speakers and really interesting panel debate.”
“The panel gave great insight which I took a lot from.”
“Excellent panel discussions, panel chairs and conversations/networking”
A huge thankyou to our sponsors MID Communications and HGF.
Our next event is Fintech Lunch 2022, tickets are flying out so get yours now. BOOK HERE